Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Why let silly little things like "facts and figures" get in the way of a good sewer-park?

“It must be affordable; we can't displace even one family.”
-- Pandora Nash-Karner, Spring, 2000

I recently sent an on-line colleague a link to a story in the Coastal Conservancy's publication, Coast & Ocean, and it reminded me, I've never brought this interesting topic up on my blog.

The story is from Spring of 2000, and it is straight-up excellent in today's context.

If you want to see a prime example of how Los Osos got to where it is today, read this story.

But before you do, some takes:

At the time of that story, the plan they are discussing -- the Solution Group's ill-fated ponding system -- the plan that got three Solution Groupers elected and the LOCSD formed in the first place -- was on the ropes. It was all but ashes at the time then-CSD vice president, Pandora Nash-Karner, gave that interview, and notice the rosy, folksy spin she's still putting on it.

Four months after that story, that plan was in the dumpster, just like I predicted in my first New Times cover story in August, 2000. But the funny thing about the Coast & Ocean story is, notice how the story goes along; Reporter/Milanés, Reporter/Milanés, then Nash-Karner shows up out of nowhere and the rest of the story is; Reporter/Nash-Karner, Reporter/Nash-Karner.

What in the hell happened to Milanés? Did she just shove him to the floor and take his seat?

"As Milanés was describing how trails and trees would surround the ponds, how schoolchildren would learn about the system and its function within the watershed, CSD vice president Pandora Nash-Karner, a prime mover in the Solutions Group, came by and picked up the story."

Came by and picked up the story? She just happened to stop by at the exact time the reporter was interviewing Milanés on the project that Nash-Karner was instrumental in developing and marketing? Huh? What a coincidence. And what a surprise that Nash-Karner would try to influence a member of the media... what a surprise.... shocked, I'm tellin ya.

"Rather than offer facts and figures, the CSD team presented a slide show to convey a sense of the place and community."

Good idea. I can understand how those silly little things like "facts and figures" could get in the way of a good, sound sewer system. Much better to rely on some vague, perceived public opinion that becomes outdated in just six months, according to public opinion experts.

"He has committed himself to five years, to see this project through."

Time's up, George.

“It's such a relief that it will be affordable,” said Debra Avila. “I only hope it works.”

I've got some bad news for ya, Deb. It didn't work.

Also, notice who the "Obvious next thing" graphic is from.

Great stuff.

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7 Comments:

  • Your historical grasp of the situation continues to impress me. Keep up the good work!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:19 PM, February 07, 2007  

  • “It must be affordable; we can't displace even one family.”
    -- Pandora Nash-Karner, Spring, 2000
    That's my favorite Nash-Karner quote of all time...her sewer park turned into the most expensive public works project per capita in the history of man kind. Save the Dream! What dream? Force a nightmare! Is more like it. Force people to be "displaced". good one Pandora, meanwhile your pursuit cost us millions because there was no way in hell that project was/is going to be built...ever!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:51 AM, February 08, 2007  

  • So ... if the project will now cost a lot because of Al and Julie and their actions ... why is it that Pandora is blamed?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:47 PM, February 09, 2007  

  • Duh. Because she is the one that convinced us to put a park in sewer (only $38 a month!) If that whole campaign hadn't happened the county would have built it long ago. Because Pandora SCREWED UP SO BAD it paved the way for support of more scew ups. Can't you see that they/we are all to blame? It just so happens to start with Ms. Nash Karner.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:23 PM, February 10, 2007  

  • Actually it all started with a line, based on falsified evidence, that divided this community. Take away the line so the benifits and consequences are the same for all, and we will have common interests. We will then start to come together.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:49 AM, February 11, 2007  

  • So do you think it's worth pursueing a basin plan amendment to get rid of the PZ? Just curious because I can't decide about that.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:42 AM, February 11, 2007  

  • We all flush nitrates into the same aquifer.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:30 PM, February 11, 2007  

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